§ 5–1501.15. Rules.

(a)(1) The Mayor, pursuant to subchapter I of Chapter 5 of Title 2, may issue rules to implement the provisions of this chapter, including:

(A) A fee schedule for forensic science services or public health laboratory services provided by the Department, which may account for the provision of bulk services; and

(B) A fee schedule for reasonable costs related to expert witness testimony provided by Department employees to entities not listed in § 5-1501.06(b), including the cost of any preparation, travel, and related administrative functions; provided, that no fee shall be charged for costs related to expert witness testimony provided by Department employees:

(i) Regarding services the Department provided pursuant to § 5-1501.06(a) or (b); or

(ii) When the employee would be testifying as an expert in a criminal case in a District of Columbia court.

(2) The fee schedule established pursuant to paragraph (1)(A) of this subsection may be applied on a sliding scale based on a recipient's ability to pay for the services.

(a-1) Not Funded.

(b) The proposed rules shall be submitted to the Council for a 45-day period of review, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, legal holidays, and days of Council recess. If the Council does not approve or disapprove the proposed rules, by resolution, within the 45-day review period, the proposed rules shall be deemed approved.